Free Lunch

 

August 30  

 

The preacher held up a paper bag asking, “There is a gift in here who wants it?” John, who has cerebral palsy, is the first to respond. In the bag is a gift certificate to a restaurant. The preacher makes the point that salvation is like this gift; you have to receive it.

The next day John is eating his free lunch with such joy that a couple tell the waitress they want to pay for his meal.

Later another couple does the same. Who said there is no free lunch? John had three. 

 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

A Change in Green

 

August 29

 

"What do you mean, do I see the change in green. Isn't green, ah--green?" .

Joy explains that as the chlorophyll production slows the greens become muted, a sure sign fall is coming.  I hadn't noticed the "change of greens " before but then I’m the last to notice a  pregnancy, or that the living room carpet has changed. But I do notice the change of green now.

 

Change is all part of God's plan. I should embrace it and live each moment fully. 

 

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Fire!

 

August 28

 

FIRE!. The word yells at you. It demands action." Call the fire department! Let's go!

"Where are Pat and Steve?"  "At the fire!" 

We run up the hill behind the cottage.  "It is steep--and long." "I smell it."  "I see it.”  Finally the top! There are two blackened faces, one boy holds a charged shirt. A circle of flames 10 feet in diameter is growing. Thank God there isn't a breeze.  Finally firemen, who panted up the same hill with back pumps, douse the flames. 

 

"But I have trusted in your mercy;

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6)

A Tower of Babel

August 27

 

 I"m reading my Bible in a small park when a woman with two girls in the play area says, “Tell me in what book do you find the Tower of Babel? Oh I can look it up later.”

I leave surprised by her question and I look it up. Men decide to build a tower to become famous. In case I don’t get it, the commentary says, "We should glorify God, not build towers (riches) to get our self worth, which become more important than God." (NIV)

 

“Its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth." (Genesis 11:9)

Be Obedient and help others

 

August 25

 

"I had no idea why I bought four bottles of water," Joy tells me, "one bottle would have been enough for the trip home. Something just told me to buy four.

The bottles sit in a bag while she drives down the Mass. Pike to the exit for Sturbridge. "As I approach the toll station, I notice a family of four sitting by the side of the road with a dog. They are beat. I stop, all are thirsty, especially the dog.I gave them the four bottles.

 

“Whoever shall give a drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no way lose his reward.”(Matt 10:42)

Peppy's War

 

August 24

 

My tent mate that summer was "Peppy" our chef. who was a World War II vet. He said, "We were told to prepare positions for the night. I smelled coffee so a buddy and I followed our noses. We came upon three Germans sitting next to a pot of coffee. We stared at each other. One German poured a little coffee in each of our cups. We backed slowly then ran to our unit. We returned in force but they were gone.”

"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

Dealing with Stress

 

August 22

 

We are moving and boxes are all over the living room. I fear two things I seek are in one of the taped boxes.  “Let’s stop and pray right now,” Joy says.. “Lord we seek your help here. We need to find the work folder and the gift certificate or gift him peace about it.”

I feel my stress subside. I thank her for her love. As I rise from my knees I spot an open box under the divan. Inside is my business folder and the gift certificate.

 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)